(Sterling, IL) Regional Media has announced major improvements that will take place on Monday June 25, 2018 around the noon hour. WSSQ-FM in Sterling will move to 105.5, WQUD-FM in Erie will move to 107.7, and WLLT-FM in Polo will move to 94.3.

Over the past few months, Regional Media Sterling has been working to move Q94.3 WSSQ FM to 105.5 FM. The move is set to significantly improve its coverage within Whiteside, Carroll, Ogle, and Lee Counties. In cooperation with WQUD-FM in Erie, and WLLT-FM in Polo, a coordinated effort with the Federal Communications Commission was granted, giving birth to the new Q105.5 FM. The move, scheduled for Monday June 25th at Noon, will simultaneously move WQUD-FM to 107.7 FM and WLLT-FM to 94.3FM. The move is expected to significantly increase WQUD’s coverage in the Quad City Area. WLLT coverage is expected to remain the same.

Additionally, SaukValleyNow-WSDR 1240-AM will also be heard on 93.1FM. This significant milestone for WSDR started in late January this year as the Federal Communications Commission granted the action. WSDR will continue to broadcast on 1240-AM and stream online at SaukValleyNow.com.

Regional Media Sterling has invested heavily in new transmitting equipment, antennas, and audio processing equipment for each of the stations. Listeners should expect a high quality, unmatched sound when listening to each station.

“We are so excited to bring additional improvements to the area. It has been an amazing ride, and we are humbled at all of the support from the business and listening community!” commented Regional Media President Fletcher M. Ford.

Regional Media’s Sterling staff made broadcasting headlines this month by receiving the prestigious “Station of the Year” award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

Regional Media is the largest locally owned media company in Illinois with 24 radio signals, 10 digital websites, serving markets from Clinton Iowa to Quincy Illinois and beyond.

On February 1, 2018, Regional Media will add 104.7 Rock 2.0 to its Illinois line up. 104.7 ROCK 2.0 is an evolution in rock radio. Typical rock formats are either old or new, mainstream or alternative. The gap between classic and current rock formats grew a mile-wide in the 90’s when diverse strands of rock merged and evolved. 104.7 Rock 2.0 traces its DNA back from Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. It reaches forward from The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana to Linkin Park and Three Days Grace.

Regional Media President Fletcher Ford, along with Vice President Jason Gilbraith, General Manager Anthony Sturtevant, and Program Director Karissa Nash-Haptonstall have been discussing building a rock station for sometime. Once the decision was made to build 104.7 Rock 2.0 , the focus on localism became apparent. With upcoming local artist showcases, and the same great local weather and news from WKEI-RegionalDailyNews.com, 104.7 Rock 2.0 will join the same award winning stations Regional Media operates in Henry County.

Extensive build out and investment in the 104.7 Rock 2.0 facilities included all new transmission equipment, new tower antennas, and new broadcast studios at Division Street in Kewanee. Chief Engineer Wayne Miller states, “Regional Media continues to impress me at the constant expansion to improve the facilities for the communities they serve, this project was an absolute joy to work on.”

104.7 Rock 2.0 has had enormous support from local businesses and will officially air at 12:01 on February 1, 2018. For more information, please visit RegionalMedia.info

Regional Media, is one of the largest and one of the most diversified broadcasting companies in Illinois and Iowa with affiliations with many local communities. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.RegionalMedia.info

Regional Media Launches BIG country 102.7 WZZT
(Sterling-Rock Falls, IL) – Regional Media, also known as Virden Broadcasting Corp. announced that it has launched a new format, BIG Country 102.7 WZZT.

Big Country 102.7 WZZT emphasizes popular, current songs and mixes in top country songs from the 1990s and 2000s. Big Country 102.7 WZZT draws a diverse, active segment of the Country audience. Big Country is big, engaging, and fun, with large-scale promotions, great music, and a mission to serve the local community.

In making the announcement, President of Regional Media Mr. Ford said, “We are so excited and appreciative of the support from the communities since we have arrived in the area. It has been an incredible journey reviving the stations and returning them to the listeners. We have jumped right in and invested substantial resources into the company, expanded our staff with great local high energy people, all with a mission to excessively serve our communities”

The primary coverage area of Big Country 102.7 WZZT serves hundreds of thousands of residents in Clinton Iowa, Sterling, Rock Falls, Morrison, Dixon, and surrounding communities.

Regional Media, is one of the largest and one of the most diversified broadcasting companies in Illinois and Iowa with affiliations with many local communities. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.RegionalMedia.info
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Mon, 17 Apr 2017 11:34:00 -0500http://regionalmedia.info/regional-media-news/301255News Release - For Immediate Release

Regional Media Names James Jones as General Market Manager Sterling

(Sterling-Rock Falls, IL) – Regional Media, also known as Virden Broadcasting Corp. announced that James Jones has been named General Market Manager of WSDR-AM 1240, WSSQ-FM 94.3, and WZZT-FM 102.7 in the Sterling - Rock Falls market.

In making the announcement, President of Regional Media Mr. Ford said, “We are pleased to tap James to the General Market Manager position in Sterling. In his previous career, James was successful in enhancing operational efficiencies and profitability while creating and leading a focused and engaged team.”

“I am very excited about this opportunity at Regional Media and look forward to leading an excellent team while continuing to serve our listeners, clients and the Sterling - Rock Falls and greater Sauk Valley communities as we have done over the past many years,” commented Mr. Jones. “With Regional Media’s reach and scale, I believe that we will be able to offer the best in programming and news for our listeners and enhanced advertising strategies in radio, digital and mobile for our advertising customers.”

Mr. Jones is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience bringing a strong business acumen and a passion to succeed to Regional Media. As a lifelong native of Western Illinois, he understands many of the unique challenges and opportunities local business face in an ever-changing, dynamic business environment.

Mr. Gilbraith, Vice President of Regional Media says,“With the mission of flawless local radio and service to the Sterling-Rock Falls area, adding James to our Executive Team was an absolute must. His energetic and positive personality is paramount to our mission. With the experience of our existing team and expansion in staff, our dynamic, client focused, forward-thinking, and passionate people will be key to our success.

Regional Media, is one of the largest and one of the most diversified broadcasting companies in Illinois and Iowa with affiliations with many local communities. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed atwww.RegionalMedia.info

(Sterling) Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting (RM) based in the Quad Cities, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase, WSDR AM 1240, Q94.3 Hometown Favorites WSSQ, and 102.7 Classic Rock WZZT as well as, numerous websites serving the Sauk Valley.

Commenting on the acquisition, Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting President and CEO, Fletcher Ford said, “We're thrilled to be adding these stations to Regional Media’s portfolio of stations; they fit nicely into our overall plan of concentration in Illinois and will allow us to further support local communities.”

Regional Media owns and operates a large footprint of radio stations and digital websites throughout the states of Illinois and Iowa. The combination of these stations creates a perfect fit to the Regional Media portfolio.

“I am very excited to be a part of Regional Media’s ongoing legacy and our journey into Sterling-Rock Falls, as it is a perfect fit for our core values. I look forward to joining hands with the staff and the community in the very near future!” Says Jason Gilbraith Vice President of Regional Media

Marty Wells, Sales Manager for the stations said, “Having worked for Regional Media in the past, I am extremely excited for the positive changes that we will be able to share with the communities we serve.”

Regional Media plans to immediately begin some much needed improvements to the stations facility in Sterling. More details to follow.

Regional Media Kewanee along with Newstalk 100.1FM and 1450AM WKEI changes it’s longtime Major League Baseball affiliation to the World Champion Chicago Cubs.

As part of the continuing effort to serve the community with the best possible programming in all aspects of radio, Regional Media in Kewanee is proud to announce a brand new multi-year partnership with the World Champion Chicago Cubs.

Beginning Sunday, April 2, 2017, the opening of the 2017 Major League Baseball season, every scheduled game of the season Chicago Cubs season will be broadcast live on Newstalk 100.1FM and 1450AM WKEI.

Newly named Program Director Karissa Nash says, “As a Cubs fan I could not be more excited about this partnership with the Cubs. Last season was miraculous and we look forward to listening as the Cubs build a winning tradition in 2017 on WKEI, what a way to kick of the year with my new position as Program Director with Regional Media!”

Longtime Sports and News Director Bob Mckee went on the record with immense excitement saying, “The 2016 World Series Champions the Chicago Cubs, will they repeat? Let’s hope so, tune in to find out!”

The Tri-County Area has awaken to Cub’s fever, and it is all thanks to the local area sponsors.

The World Championship era of Chicago Cubs baseball begins April 2nd at 7:30 PM against long time Cubs rival the St. Louis Cardinals, live from St. Louis, on Newstalk 100.1FM and 1450AM WKEI!

Broadcast Team:

Pat Hughes

Play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs since 1996.

Prior to joining the Cubs broadcast booth, Hughes spent 12 years calling games for the Milwaukee Brewers, with legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker.

Spent 17 years as a radio television play-by-play man for Marquette University basketball.

Ten-time recipient of the Sportscaster of the Year award by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (1990-1992, 1996, 1999, 2006-2007, 2009, 2014-2015).

One of eight finalists for the 2017 Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually for excellence in baseball broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Ron Coomer

Color Analyst for the Chicago Cubs since 2014.

Born south of Chicago in Crest Hill, IL.

Played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1995-2003. He was elected to the American League All-Star team in 1999 with the Twins.

Mark Grote

Host of the Pre- and Post-Game Shows on the Chicago Cubs Radio Network.

Morning anchor for the Mully & Hanley Show and co-host of the Rosenbloom & Grote Show, both heard on WSCR 670 The Score.

Regional Media is a multi-state broadcasting and media company specializing in small to medium size business, local community activism, and overall economic growth through the use of it’s wide range of products and services. For more information on Regional Media, Please visit RegionalMedia.info

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Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:13:00 -0600http://regionalmedia.info/regional-media-news/285484
Regional Media - Virden Broadcasting owns and operates radio stations and multimedia websites in Henry, Bureau, Stark, Knox, and Rock Island Counties in Illinois along with Scott County Iowa. Regional Media - Virden Broadcasting was originally formed by Randal J. Miller, a Shelbyville, IL native, in 1980, to build a new FM radio station in Virden, Illinois. In early 2007 Current Owner, President & CEO of Virden Broadcasting Fletcher joined Mr. Miller and purchased the company a few years later. One of the Regional Media – Virden Broadcastisng stations, WKEI-AM 1450 becoming the first AM radio station in Illinois, to be simulcast on an FM translator at 104.3 FM. Regional Media - Virden Broadcasting has adapted to new HD Technolicy by upgrading facilities, added stations to its portfolio, and continued its mission To serve our communities responsibly by informing and entertaining; and impact the local economies we serve using effective marketing strategies for area businesses.
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Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:11:00 -0600http://regionalmedia.info/regional-media-news/285483
April 2015

Regional Media to Exclusively Broadcast Bettendorf Bulldogs High School Sports

(Bettendorf) Regional Media- Virden Broadcasting has announced a new partnership with Bettendorf High School. Rewind 93.9 WYEC will become the exclusive home for the Bettendorf Bulldogs for all online and on air broadcasts.

When asked about local sports coverage, Regional Media’s President and CEO Fletcher Ford said, “With exclusive coverage comes commitment to the student athletes, their parents, and the community that follows them. That is why our team covers every game. Not being able to provide game coverage for ALL games would ultimately hurt the radio listener experience causing some games to not be heard at all. We are pleased that Bettendorf shares the same passion and the goals of our company!”

Beginning with the 2015/2016 season, Regional Media’s Rewind 93.9WYEC, along with QuadCityDailyNews.com, will be broadcasting live ALL Varsity Boys Basketball, Boys Football games and additional coverage of summer training camps and live coach's interviews throughout the off-season.

Regional Media Virden Broadcasting entered into a multi-year agreement with Bettendorf High School to broadcast many seasons of local sports. Local Sports broadcasting, along with various other local outreach programs, are an important part of Regional Media’s culture and vision.

Kevin Skillet, Associate Principal and Activities Director from Bettendorf High School says, "Bettendorf High School is very excited to partner with Rewind 93.9 WYEC for coverage of all of our home and away football and boys basketball games starting in the 2015-16 school year. This is a great opportunity for our students, parents, and fans to stay connected to our teams through live radio broadcasting of these events. We have alumni all over the world, and I feel confident they will appreciate the live internet streaming of the games"

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Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:09:00 -0600http://regionalmedia.info/regional-media-news/285481
The City of Kewanee, City of Galva, Regional Media Virden Broadcasting, Kewanee Economic Development Corporation and Partners in Job Training and Placement are teaming up for a Job Fair on Thursday, July 10th from 2 Pm to 6 Pm in the gymnasium of Wethersfield Elementary School. Job seekers from Henry, Stark, Knox, Mercer and Rock Island Counties are invited to attend and look for available work at Regional Media Virden Broadcasting, McDonalds, Goods Furniture, Great Dane Trailers, BDI Screens, Alcoa, LMT Industries, Good Samaritan Societies and more business from across the area. Businesses can still sign up to take part in the Regional Job Fair by contacting Lynn at Partners in Job Training and Placement at 309-788-1587 (Ext. 105).
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Wed, 28 Dec 2016 09:06:00 -0600http://regionalmedia.info/regional-media-news/285480
February 2014

Regional Media Virden Broadcasting to Bring The Back Road Music Festival to Galva in August of 2014

The Back Road Music Festival, an inaugural event, comes to Henry County, Illinois, this summer 2014. Galva, IL and the Galva Park District play host to four premier Nashville based musical acts, for one day of country music festival fun. Proudly presented by Regional Media stations Hog Country 102.5 WJRE and Wiley Park Productions, the Saturday August 16th event will provide a first ever opportunity for West Central Illinois music fans to see and hear their favorite Nashville stars of past and present in Galva, IL. Please stay tuned in early March for our official talent lineup announcement and more!

The Tri-County area represents most of the hard-working, country-loving small-towns between West Central Illinois' two most prominent metropolises in Peoria & the Quad City Area. Therefore, we feel that its location and locale make Galva a prime meeting ground for the best fans in all of music!

General admission tickets and V.I.P. passes for this new festival go on sale March 1, 2014, starting at 10 am CT. All tickets, as well as parking passes, can be purchased at www.midwestix.com, with an introductory price of $35 for all venues of The Back Road Music Festival. Please check out www.thebackroadmusicfestival.com for any desired information, and we'll see you at the show!

Local programming now heard on Saturday and Sunday mornings will continue to be heard as it has been on all 3 stations, as well as any high school, college or major league baseball sports broadcasts.

In making the announcement, Regional Media's Fletcher Ford said "The addition of the CBS Sports Radio Network will make WKEI a further destination for listeners on Saturdays and Sundays."

All CBS Sports Radio Network weekend programming on WKEI will be aired live from the network. Weekend personalities to be heard include Tiki Barber, John Feinstein, Scott Ferrall, Doug Gottlieb, and Jim Rome, among others from CBS Sports, CBS Sports Network and CBSSports.com.

The Miller Media Group, headquartered in Taylorville, today announced it is selling its Virden Broadcasting Corporation subsidiary, which owns 3 radio stations in Kewanee.

Miller Media Group head Randal J. Miller is selling the Kewanee subsidiary to the sales manager of the Kewanee cluster of stations, Fletcher Ford of Bluegrass, Iowa. Purchase price for the transaction was not announced.

Ford has been sales manager at the Kewanee cluster since April 2007, and had over 10 years of retail ownership experience before joining the stations.

Miller has owned the Kewanee radio stations since December 30, 1994. Under Miller's direction, listenership and advertising sales revenue have both grown. WKEI Newstalk 1450 added an FM repeater at 104.3 in September 2007; WYEC 93.9 was added in 2003; and WJRE Hogg Country 102.5 increased its power and coverage in 2005.

Also under Miller's ownership, WYEC moved its signal to cover the Quad Cities, and added a 2nd broadcast studio in Moline, both in 2008.

Miller said that he has been blessed to have been part of the Kewanee and Tri-County business community the past 18 years, and added that under Ford's ownership, local radio will continue to thrive in the Tri-Counties and the Quad Cities.

Transfer of ownership from Miller to Ford is expected following Federal Communications Commission approval, which is expected in the next 60 days.

Miller remains owner of 8 other radio signals that cover Taylorville, Pana, Shelbyville, Clinton, and Charleston.

Regional Media will switch its signal in the Quad City market to bring the highly popular “JACK” radio format beginning on September 1, 2016.

WYEC, which will become KQCJ, at 93.9 on the FM dial, serves Peoria to Eldridge with its majority listenership in the Quad Cities region has been planning a major change for months!

JACK FM is the most successful radio programming approach in North America. It offers upbeat and unconventional “Playing What We Want” branding. The JACK FM Adult Hits format presents an energizing presentation of hit songs from the late 1960s through the 2000s that has attracted a significant following, reaching more than 20 million listeners weekly.

”Regional Media is excited to launch the highly successful JACK format in the Quad Cities,” commented President and CEO Fletcher M. Ford“Our signal, at 93.9, will carry the distinctive sound of JACK FM to the entire Quad Cities and surrounding regions, and the unique playlist and music mix is perfectly suited to our midwest lifestyle. Both listeners and advertisers will love the new JACK FM at 93.9 on the FM dial.”

The new Jack FM will continue in Regional Media's legacy of dedication to local high schools programming, local and national news, and local interviews.

“We are just simply JACKED to the max, to launch the new JACK FM format on 93.9. The music and the energy that it brings to the table will literally change the Quad Cities!”, said Jason Gilbraith, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Regional Media.

“The JACK FM format is unlike anything in the Quad Cities market,” said Regional Media Operations Manager Sean Patrick. “I am very excited to be part of bringing JACK FM to the Quad Cities because I know people will love it.”

Regional Media-Virden Broadcasting is an Iowa based locally owned company that owns and operates multiple media outlets in Iowa and Illinois.

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Fri, 21 Aug 2015 09:16:00 -0500http://regionalmedia.info/regional-media-news/285486
(Macomb) Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting Macomb (formerly Prestige Communications) announced today that they plan to realign three stations within its newly acquired Macomb cluster. Changes include significantly improving the coverage area for its country station. Counties included in the new coverage are McDonough, Schuyler, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Brown, and Warren. WLMD 104.7 Hot Country, will move to 95.9 WNLF (formally the Buzz), and will become Backroad Country 95.9 featuring today’s country hits with yesterday’s favorites. Tony Jones, a recent graduate of Western Illinois University, will join the station hosting, The Detour with Tony Jones a local, high energy, community oriented country show from weekdays 6AM-10AM. Some of Tony’s recent accomplishments include four grand prize awards from the National Broadcasting Society national competition making him a great addition to the Regional Media family. Also partnered with Backroad Country 95.9, Nash Nights Live with Sean Parr, along with country star and radio host Kix Brooks with the American Country Countdown and Kicking it with Kix overnights.

“Backroad Country 95.9 is a tribute to our communities, small towns, and the people that make our area great! The area has needed a local presence in the country genre such as this!” said Kim Williams, Operations Director of Regional Media in Macomb. Backroad Country 95.9 will begin airing on 95.9 on August 26th, 2015.

Additional changes include 104.7 WLMD, 1510 WLRB, and the multi-media platform. 104.7 WLMD will become Macomb News Now 104.7 – featuring NBC Sports Radio Network, heavy agriculture coverage from the Illinois Farm Bureau, local community programming, along with local and nation news from ABC. Macomb News Now 104.7 will be an extension of Regional Media’s new interactive media news site MacombNewsNow.com set to launch in just a few weeks. Slated to be the area’s leading website for local news, weather, sports, and community events, MacombNewsNow.com will also feature regional, national, lifestyle, entertainment, and various other content sections. A highlight of the station will be the community program branded, The Discussion featuring local guests, newsmakers, dignitaries, and topical information impacting our communities.

Regional Media engineers are working on WLRB 1510 AM and plan to debut a new FM signal 103.7 FM as well as an improved 1510AM signal for WLRB. The programming will be contemporary Christian Music with coverage of McDonough County and beyond. More details will be released at a later date.

Earlier this week, Regional Media of Macomb launched MacombJobsNow.com, A local hiring site for employers and job seekers of the area, bringing a partnership to Macomb with national company RegionalHelpWanted.com.

Commenting on the changes, Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting President and CEO, Fletcher Ford said, “We're thrilled with all of the improvements at Regional Media Macomb as it will provide a larger base for our listeners and advertisers. These changes will greatly enhance the station's overall presence!”

Commenting on the acquisition, Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting President and CEO, Fletcher Ford said, “We're thrilled to be buying these stations from exceptional operators who really know local radio. I’m excited about the stations; they will fit nicely into our game plan of concentration in Illinois and will allow us to further support local communities.”

The combination of these six stations creates a perfect fit to the (RM) portfolio. When completed, the number of stations owned by (RM) will grow significantly.

Nancy Foster, President of Prestige Communications, INC, “ Fletcher is a great local broadcaster and deeply cares for his company and staff. His legacy of super serving local communities is unprecedented. Prestige Communications could not be happier to have found such a great home for our stations and valued employees, I am very blessed to have our company go to such a person”.

Regional Media – Virden Broadcasting will take over operations on August 1, 2015.

Regional Media, owned by Virden Broadcasting Corporation, who operates five radio signals and numerous community websites, announced today that it will locate its new corporate offices to the Harborview office complex, 736 Federal Street, Davenport Iowa.

Rewind 93.9 WYEC will have it's studio location in the Harborview location as well.

The new Harborview studios will offer state of the art broadcast equipment studio with various guest interview areas, on site executive offices, and a modernized look and layout.

Construction is underway with a move in date of February 1, 2013. A grand opening party and welcome reception, and Quad City Chamber ribbon cutting is planned for February 15, 2013.

An announcement made in late November stated that Miller Media Group, lead by Randal J, Miller, headquartered in Taylorville Illinois is selling Virden Broadcasting Corporation to Fletcher M. Ford of Blue Grass Iowa, who has led Virden Broadcasting for the last six years.

In making this announcement, Fletcher M. Ford, says, "I am please to make such an announcement in the area. The City of Davenport has strong leadership and has proven successful in development. The Davenport area will help us further localize our station properties.

Mr. Ford, who prides himself on being involved locally, splits his time between the Kewanee and Quad City stations and plans to continue.